APPROVED
TOWN OF
BOARD OF SE= LECTMEN MEETING
MINUTES
APPROVED &#= 8211; August 2, 2011
CALL TO ORDER –
approximately
|
PRESENT: ABSENT: |
Mr. Edmund Gleason, Mr.= Robert Haverty, Mr. William McDevitt, Mr. Hal Lynde, Town Administrator Tom = Gaydos, Town Finance Director Cindy Kelley Mr. Douglas Viger |
|
|
|
PL=
EDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE
OTHER BUSINESS
Police Chief Roark to discuss Emergency Phone L=
ine
@ Raymond Park Soccer Fields & “TALK A PHONE” Demonstration=
Mr. Brian Cross of Intelligent Marketing, the local manufacturer̵=
7;s
representative for Talk-a-Phone. They
had worked with DEM Electric to design an emergency phone for Raymond
Park. He said the phone was a=
tower
with two buttons; one was designated for emergency (calling a pre-determine=
d number)
the second button was for information (i.e. park services).
Mr. Gaydos explained that cell service at Raymond Park was very poor =
and
the Talk-a-Phone would allow for someone to contact Dispatch in the event o=
f an
emergency. He understood ther=
e was
a flashing light on the tower to indicate that the phone had been
activated. He said the second
button could connect to either dispatch or recreation for a recorded messag=
e.
Mr. Lynde arrived.
The Selectmen took their meeting outside to see a demonstration of the
Talk-a-Phone. The
representatives showed the operation of the tower. They also discussed the constructi=
on of
the tower which would was weather and vandal proof. The telephone lines could be set u=
p in a
manner preferred by the Town.
The Selectmen resumed their meeting inside. Mr. Gleason stated that the Select=
men
would further discuss the Talk-a-Phone after the public hearing, which was =
time
specific.
* See below for additional discussion/action.
PUBLIC HEARING – Acquisition of Easement for
Mr. Lynde was not present for the following discussion.
Mr. Gleason stated that the Public Hearing was regarding the acquisit=
ion
of an easement to access
Mr. Gaydos said the other purpose of the meeting was to accept the gi=
ft
of the easement, which he was certain was over $5000, although a value had =
not
been placed on it. Mr. Gleason
stated that the gift was from Philip R. Currier, Trustee of the Philip R.
Currier Revocable Trust. He s=
aid
the easement would provide the Town the opportunity to build an egress/road
from the back side of
There was no public input.
|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Have= rty) To accept, with thanks, the gift of the easement from Attorney Philip R. Currier, Trustee of the Philip R. Currier Revocable Trust. |
|
VOTE: |
(3-0-0) The mo= tion carried. |
OTHER BUSINESS Con’t…
Police Chief Roark to discuss Emergency Phone L=
ine
@ Raymond Park Soccer Fields & “TALK A PHONE” Demonstration=
Chief Roark spoke about the increased usage of Raymond Park and the
concern about the lack of cell service.&nb=
sp;
His concern was having a delay in response in the event of an emerge=
ncy
because people wouldn’t be able to notify the Police or Fire
Departments. He noted there w=
as
power and an existing phone line at the park. Chief Roark said because two Offic=
ers
had been deployed overseas and two Officers had retired/resigned he had a
little extra funding in the salary accounts and wanted the Selectmen to
consider purchasing the Talk a Phone.
Mr. Gleason asked for the anticipated cost. Chief Roark believed the cost for =
the
unit and installation was $7182.15.
In speaking to the vendors the unit had the ability to be upgraded in
the future to add a remote camera, a loud speaker etc. however, the present
request was for the basic unit. Mr.
Gleason noted that the Police budget had a line for new equipment, which wo=
uld
be appropriate for the acquisition.
Mr. Lynde joined the Board.
Chief Roark stated he had a line item for new equipment, and although=
the
item wasn’t budgeted, he considered it to be urgent because of being a
life safety issue. Mr. Gleason
wanted the public to understand because there was a budget line for new
equipment it provided the latitude to make the purchase.
Mr. Gaydos understood that the quoted price included the power, concr=
ete
base and everything. It was C=
hief
Roark’s understanding that the unit was ‘turn key’ at
$7182.15. Mr. Gaydos read a p=
ortion
of the quote aloud, which included the required specifications for installa=
tion.
Mr. Lynde asked if there was power at the site. Chief Roark said power had been br=
ought
forward for the irrigation. M=
r. Don
Sturtevant of D.E.M Electric said=
they
would be excavating a trench for the irrigation that would have a conduit.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Mr. Lynde believed the gas line wo=
uld
need to be crossed. Mr. Sturt=
evant
stated he would be doing some work (running power out to the irrigation pum=
ps)
for the sprinkler system vendor who had permission with Tennessee Gas to
excavate for what he had to do. He
noted conduits would be installed across the driveway regardless of whether=
or
not the Talk a Phone was put in, so they would never have to excavate the
trench again.
Mr. McDevitt asked if the unit had the ability to not have the
information button, or to disable it.
He was told that the information button didn’t have to be
installed. Chief Roark explai=
ned
that each of the buttons could have more than one phone number assigned to
it. He said his main concern =
was
having the emergency button; the information button could be coordinated wi=
th
the Park & Recreation Department.
Mr. McDevitt questioned how a situation would be handled in the event
vandals pushed the emergency button and ran away. Chief Roark felt if someone presse=
d the
button (and ran) it would be considered an additional check on the park; the
area was already being checked during each shift. He said in the future he would lik=
e to
have a remote camera on top of the unit to be able to have a visual of the
field. He believed the presen=
ce and
image would give a more lawful presence.&n=
bsp;
The Selectmen discussed how they would like to proceed. Chief Roark wanted people to under=
stand
that he didn’t take it lightly coming outside the budget process, whi=
ch
was a very specific and controlled process. He considered this particular inst=
ance
to be a life safety issue and for that reason he would come outside the pro=
cess
and make the request for purchase.
He didn’t take the request lightly. Mr. Gleason stated under legal
definition, the Police Department had an item in the budget called New
Equipment which authorized them to spend money for new equipment.
Mr. Lynde questioned if the requested $7182.15 covered all costs. Chief Roark answered yes, $7182.15=
was
for a turn key Talk a Phone emergency phone. There was a monthly charge on the =
phone
bill, which was already being paid.
|
MOTION: |
(Haverty/McDev= itt) To authorize the expenditure of $7182.15 for the installation of the Talk a Phone at Raymond Park. |
|
VOTE: |
(4-0-0) The mo= tion carried. |
APPOINTMENTS
Junk Yard License Renewals Applications:
Coombs Used Auto Parts – Mr. Norman Coombs and Ms. Joyce Coombs came forward to discuss their
application. Mr. Gleason revi=
ewed
the application and noted that the necessary reviews by the Fire Department,
Health Officer and Code Enforcement had been received. Mr. Gaydos said in the past the To=
wn had
asked for proof that waste oil was being disposed of properly; invoices were
submitted showing compliance. He
said the applicant (although not a member) had addressed the issues that we=
re
raised through the Green Yards Program.&nb=
sp;
Mr. Gleason confirmed that the items raised by Code Enforcement (Tom
Wakefield) had been resolved. Mr.
Gaydos said the applicant had been approved by Code Enforcement. He said it appeared everything had=
been
addressed. He reminded the
applicant to cover used tires so water doesn’t get in them and create=
a
nesting ground for mosquitoes.
|
MOTION: |
(Lynde/McDevit= t) To approve the application for a Junk Yard License for Coombs Used Auto Parts at 1183 Mammoth Road for the period July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. |
|
VOTE: |
(4-0-0) The mo= tion carried. |
Jack Mansur’s Auto, LLC – Mr. John Mansur (owner) and Ms. Maureen Lambert came forward to discu=
ss
the requested license. Mr. Gl=
eason
noted that the Fire Officer, Code Enforcement Officer and Health Officer had
reviewed the site and returned favorable recommendation. Mr. Gaydos reviewed the inspection=
s and
commented that the Fire Inspector found no violations; the Code Officer
indicated the location looked more organized this year and noticed tires and
batteries were stored under cover.
The Health Officer noted that the facility looked better than it did=
the
previous year.
|
MOTION: |
(Lynde/McDevit= t) To approve the application for a Junk Yard License for Jack Mansur’s A= uto, LLC at 76 Dutton Road for the period July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. |
|
VOTE: |
(4-0-0) The mo= tion carried. |
Jean-Guy’s Used Cars & Parts, Inc. – Jean-Guy Bergeron came forward to discu=
ss the
his application. Mr. Gleason =
said
that all appropriate inspections had been completed and there were no
unfavorable findings. Mr. Gay=
dos
stated that Jean-Guy’s Used Cars & Parts, Inc. was the largest and
most sophisticated facility in Town that was redundant in ensuring there we=
re
no spills or catches. He info=
rmed
that Mr. Bergeron was instrumental in starting the Green Yards Program in t=
he
State of
|
MOTION: |
(Lynde/McDevit=
t) To
approve the application for a Junk Yard License for Jean-Guy’s Used
Cars & Parts, Inc. at |
|
VOTE: |
(4-0-0) The mo= tion carried. |
Mr. Lynde wanted to modify the form to no longer read
“grandfathered” and replace those words with the wording
“pre-existing non-conforming use”. There were no objections. Mr. Glea=
son
asked that an action item be added to modify the forms for future
applications.
MINUTES REVIEW
|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Lynd=
e) To
approved the |
|
VOTE: |
(3-0-1) The mo= tion carried. Mr. Haverty abstai= ned. |
OPEN FORUM
None.
APPOINTMENTS Con’t…
2012 Town Budget Discussion;
Town Finance Director Cindy Kelley came forward for the budget
discussion. The Selectmen were
provided with budget information for the departments being discussed.
Assessor – Asse=
ssing
Assistant Susan Snide came forward to review the proposed Assessor’s
budget. The 2011 budget was
$186,720. The requested 2012 =
budget
is $150,115 showing a decrease of $36,605.=
Ms. Snide indicated the $36,605 was originally put into the budget to
help support defensive value in case Tennessee Gas believed the value put on
the compressor station was too high.
She said they had not come forward so the amount was taken out. She reviewed the proposed budget.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>
Mr. Gleason questioned why the salary was less than the default. Ms. Kelley explained when the
contractual raises (approved via warrant article) were budgeted, they were =
done
for fifty two weeks but they should have been for thirty nine weeks. The proposed budget reflected a
correction. Mr. Gleason sugge=
sted
explaining this fact to the Budget Committee.
Mr. Gaydos briefly discussed that the Board, during the past few year=
s,
had made it a priority to try to reduce the amount of compensated absence t=
he
Town had. Because the support=
group
did not want to give up the rights they earned/negotiated to keep up to 800
hours of vacation time, he said they had tried to reduce the amount by givi=
ng
them an incentive to buy the time at 90% of its value; they can buy up to
eighty hours. This has been
separated in the budget process; there is a compensated absence dollar figu=
re
in the Selectmen’s budget so the Board could decide to reduce one or =
the
other (at a later time) which would go toward reducing the unfunded
liability. They were funding a
piece of it each year in hopes that there was an incentive.
The Board continued to review the proposed budget. Mr. McDevitt questioned if not
having the $36,000 in the budget for utility consulting was a good idea.
Mr. Gaydos commented that the Town had been running with the same num=
bers
since they (third party that does the tax work) began (in 2007); it occurre=
d to
him that putting aside approximately 3%-5% may be appropriate since the num=
ber
hadn’t changed in a couple years.&nb=
sp;
Mr. McDevitt felt it was up to the staff to suggest a number to the
Selectmen. Mr. Gaydos explain=
ed the
responsibilities of Corcoran.
There was a brief discussion regarding the revaluation. Ms. Snide explained they were
approximately 70% done; they had finished the residential measure and listi=
ng,
assessment (adjusting values), current use, veteran’s credits, blind =
and
(most of) the elderly exemptions.
Mr. Gaydos said they were confident the Town would be certified; all
correspondence from the state indicated they were well within the limits.
Mr. Gleason asked for clarification of what constitutes certification=
and
when the Town’s certification would be done. He also wanted to know how to hand=
le
Corcoran to find out if they felt the money in the budget was adequate as w=
ell
as to get a definition of what needed to be done.
Health Officer – The
2011 operating budget was $43,266.
The 2012 proposed budget is $43,766; and increase of $500. Mr. Gaydos reviewed the proposed
budget. He outlined the work =
done
by the Health Officer. The in=
crease
was added to cover additional inspections.=
Mr. Gaydos noted that he was gathering data regarding mosquito contr=
ol
and asked that the Selectmen have a discussion (at a later meeting) to
determine if they would like to continue funding the line item. Mr. McDevitt had noticed that some=
towns
were dropping their funding. =
He
said it seemed that concerns had decreased a great deal and commented that =
the
Selectmen might seriously consider dropping the item from the budget. Mr. Gaydos said he would like to d=
iscuss
with the company of having a smaller amount for larvacide. He wanted to present alternatives =
to the
Board.
Mr. Gleason felt it was a good idea for Mr. Gaydos to gather informat=
ion
from the (mosquito control) company to find out what alternate programs they
recommended as well as the associated costs for such.
Transfer Station – Mr.
Gleason congratulated Mr. Ron Hannon for the recognition that he had brough=
t to
the Town with the efforts at the Transfer Station. He read aloud the Environmental Me=
rit
Award and the 2011 Green City Award Certificate of Recognition that the Town
received because of Mr. Hannon. The
awards will be posted in the Town Hall.&nb=
sp;
The Selectmen congratulated Mr. Hannon. Mr. Gleason also congratulated Mr.
Hannon for being selected as the Grand Marshall for the Old Home Day
celebration.
The 2011 budget was $528,587.
The 2012 proposed budget is $541,475 (an increase of $12,888). Mr. Hannon reviewed the proposed b=
udget
with the Selectmen. He explai=
ned
how the revenues and expenses were generated and listed in his backup
documentation. Many of the ch=
anges
from a transfer station to a recycling complex were shown in the budget.
Mr. Gleason read aloud a letter (dated July 12, 2011) received by Sen=
ator
Jeanne Shaheen congratulating the Pelham Environmental Recycling Complex on
receiving an Environmental Merit Award.&nb=
sp;
Police – Police=
Chief
Joseph Roark and Technical Administrator Celia Lingley came forward to revi=
ew
the proposed budget. The 2011
operating budget was $2,350,580.
The 2012 proposed budget is $2,391,642, representing an increase of
approximately $41,062 (1.7%). Chief
Roark commented that they were tasked with a zero growth budget and felt th=
ey
had done very well doing so; they would have been under the previous budget=
had
they not added the twentieth officer (although actual manpower is seventeen=
). He explained when they got up to f=
ull complement
there would be an increase in patrols and capabilities. There was a brief discussion/expla=
nation
regarding the D.A.R.E. program; Chief Roark felt it was beneficial and would
like it included in the budget.
Mr. McDevitt asked if there were any anticipated warrant articles.
Chief Roark discussed the items contained on the memo. He spoke of the need for replacing=
the
patrol SUV and the functionality of having four-wheel drive vehicles availa=
ble
during inclement weather.
Mr. Haverty wanted to know what the department was currently spending=
on
maintenance and if they knew of any major repairs that would be needed. Chief Roark didn’t have a co=
st
breakdown. He said the vehicle
wasn’t at the point of rusting off its frame, but it was showing sign=
s of
wear and tear.
Chief Roark spoke about the department’s existing mobile radios,
which were approximately 12-15 years old.&=
nbsp;
He said Motorola would no longer support the radios or supply
replacement parts. He then discussed the mobile radios assigned to patrol
officers, that were 11 years old and Motorola was also not supporting or
supplying parts. He explained=
that
these older radios could be used by non-first responders. A finance breakdown sheet was give=
n to
the Selectmen for information and to review. The Selectmen will take the inform=
ation
under advisement.
OTHER BUSINESS
Pelham Veteran’s Memorial Park Trust Fund Expenditure
Park & Recreation Director Brian Johnson came forward and explain=
ed
that they had run into a couple repair issues at the Town beach. An information sheet was provided =
with a
breakdown of costs for needed work/items.&=
nbsp;
The items were: 1) pump house door replacement; 2) replacement of se=
ptic
pump (either to replace one or two).
The request was to use funds from the Pelham Veteran’s Memorial=
Park
Trust Fund for the repairs. T=
here
was a brief discussion as to whether both pumps would be replaced or to only
replace the broken pump. It w=
as
noted there wasn’t a significant difference between purchasing one ve=
rsus
two pumps. Mr. Johnson said i=
t was
unknown how long the pump had been broken because it didn’t have a lo=
t of
use. He felt purchasing one p=
ump
would be sufficient. Mr. Gayd=
os
wanted Mr. Johnson to ascertain if the pumps alternated leach beds to allow
them to settle. <=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>
Mr. Lynde made a motion to authorize expenditure out of the Trust Fun=
d,
up to $4000 to address the broken pump.&nb=
sp;
He said if an answer came back that they would be better off buying =
the
second pump, Mr. Gaydos would be authorized to spend the rest of the money =
to get
it done.
Mr. Gleason said he checked the Trust Fund and confirmed that the
Selectmen were agents to expend. He
said the purpose of the fund was for maintenance and upkeep of the beach
facilities.
|
MOTION: |
(Lynde/McDevitt) To authorize expenditure out of the Trust Fund up to $4000 (for a septic pump); if a second pump is needed, Mr. Gaydos has authorization to spend = the money to get it done. |
|
VOTE: |
(4-0-0) The motion carried. |
ACTION ITEM REVIEW
Deferred.
TOWN ADMIN=
ISTRATOR
/ SELECTMEN REPORTS
Mr. McDevitt sta= ted that a meeting had been set up by Planning Director Jeff Gowan in response to resident’s concerns of flooding and flood damage to their properties. The meeting was relative to hazard mitigation assistance grants. He provided a summary of the discu= ssion.
Mr. Lynde had no report.
Mr. Haverty repo= rted that he had a meeting with Trident Engineering regarding the fire station.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Trident has released their RFP ahe= ad of time; responses were expected to be returned July 29th. Those responses will be reviewed a= nd short-listed during the week of August 1st-5th. Trident has recommended that a bui= lding subcommittee be assembled. Al= so, a list of sub-consultants will be compiled and run by the Selectmen for revie= w.
Mr. McDevitt sai= d during the flood meeting it was brought up there was a training program that would= be integral for the Town to be involved in.&n= bsp; It is something the Town should be involved in at some time in the future.
Mr. Haverty stat= ed it was brought to his attention that someone made a post in the Pelham/Windham News regarding his position on the fire station. He didn’t read the post, it = was paraphrased to him. He stated= that his position on the fire station was well documented through previous and present meetings. He said som= eone may question his position and judgment, but if someone wanted to question h= is integrity he requested that they not do so through anonymity, they should contact him through the Selectmen’s office to have a conversation.
There was a brief
discussion regarding what would be on the Selectmen’s next agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
|
MOTION: |
(McDevitt/Lynde) To adjourn the meeting. |
|
VOTE: |
(4-0-0) The motion carried. |
The meeting was
adjourned at approximately
= &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = Respectfully submitted,
= &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = Charity A. Landry Willis
= &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = Recording Secretary
BOARD OF SELECTMEN ACTION ITEMS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING/July 19, 2011